A Solid-State Electrical Distribution Unit for Aircraft Applications

The Electrical Distribution Unit (EDU) is the heart of aircraft power systems, and emerging and future electrical system needs have placed great demands on EDU components. Operation at higher voltage power levels and temperatures, faster actuation, and the need to minimize size and weight have increased the desire for solid-state replacements of electromagnetic protective and distribution devices. In this program, Creare will leverage our previously developed solid-state circuit breaker technology to provide intelligent control, enhanced power and fault handling, diagnostics, and arc fault detection for advanced tactical aircraft. During Phase I we will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a 270 VDC aircraft EDU protective device which meets these requirements with design, analysis, and prototype demonstration. During Phase II we will fabricate and demonstrate a prototype system in a high fidelity F-35 test environment at TRL 6.